Plant Viruses and Virus Diseases

Abstract

IT is just over half a century since the discovery of the first virus, that of tobacco mosaic, and it is perhaps fitting that during the last ten years it is the study of this virus which has yielded such fruitful results. There are, however, some outstanding questions which need to be answered concerning viruses and particularly plant viruses. First and foremost perhaps, as suggested by Mr. Bawden, there is the behaviour of viruses in their natural environment, the cells of the host. In other words, how do viruses multiply? This aspect may, as the author hopes, provide the next great advances in knowledge of the subject. Let us hope so too, but it is such a fundamental study that one cannot see at present just how it is to be tackled.

Plant Viruses and Virus Diseases

By F. C. Bawden. (A New Series of Plant Science Books, Vol. 13.) Second entirely revised edition. Pp. xiv + 294. (Waltham, Mass.: Chronica Botanica Company; London: Wm. Dawson and Sons, Ltd., 1943.) 4.75 dollars.